7 Paper Mache Animal Crafts To Try At Home
Paper mache is a fun and creative way to make decorative items for your home. One of the most popular uses for paper mache is to create animal crafts. From realistic replicas to whimsical designs, paper mache animal crafts are a great way to add some personality to your space. In this article, we'll explore 7 paper mache animal crafts that you can try at home.
Benefits of Paper Mache Animal Crafts
Before we dive into the specific crafts, let's talk about the benefits of making paper mache animal crafts. Here are a few reasons why you might want to give it a try:
- Cost-effective: Paper mache is a relatively inexpensive craft to get into. You can make your own paper mache paste using flour, water, and paper, or you can buy it pre-made at a craft store.
- Customizable: With paper mache, you can create animals in any shape, size, or color you like. This makes it a great way to add some personality to your home decor.
- Easy to learn: Paper mache is a relatively simple craft to learn, making it a great activity for beginners or for kids.
- Environmentally friendly: Paper mache is a sustainable craft that uses recycled paper and natural materials.
1. Paper Mache Giraffe
One of the most iconic paper mache animal crafts is the giraffe. With its long neck and legs, the giraffe is a fun and challenging project to make. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache giraffe:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the giraffe's neck and legs.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the giraffe with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your giraffe more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your giraffe more whimsical, you can add fun details like polka dots or stripes.
2. Paper Mache Elephant
Elephants are another popular paper mache animal craft. With their large ears and tusks, elephants are a fun and recognizable project to make. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache elephant:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the elephant's body and ears.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the elephant with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a trunk.
Tips and Variations
- To make your elephant more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your elephant more whimsical, you can add fun details like polka dots or stripes.
3. Paper Mache Monkey
Monkeys are a fun and playful paper mache animal craft. With their long tails and agile bodies, monkeys are a great project to make for kids or for anyone who loves the jungle. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache monkey:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the monkey's body and tail.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the monkey with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your monkey more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your monkey more whimsical, you can add fun details like bananas or leaves.
4. Paper Mache Lion
Lions are a majestic and powerful paper mache animal craft. With their shaggy manes and regal demeanor, lions are a great project to make for anyone who loves the savannah. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache lion:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the lion's body and mane.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the lion with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your lion more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your lion more whimsical, you can add fun details like a crown or a scepter.
5. Paper Mache Tiger
Tigers are a sleek and powerful paper mache animal craft. With their distinctive stripes and agile bodies, tigers are a great project to make for anyone who loves the jungle. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache tiger:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the tiger's body and legs.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the tiger with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your tiger more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your tiger more whimsical, you can add fun details like stripes or polka dots.
6. Paper Mache Bear
Bears are a cute and cuddly paper mache animal craft. With their shaggy fur and adorable faces, bears are a great project to make for kids or for anyone who loves the forest. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache bear:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the bear's body and legs.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the bear with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your bear more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your bear more whimsical, you can add fun details like a bow tie or a hat.
7. Paper Mache Snake
Snakes are a slithery and fascinating paper mache animal craft. With their scaly skin and sinuous bodies, snakes are a great project to make for anyone who loves reptiles. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a paper mache snake:
- Start by creating a wire armature for the snake's body.
- Cut out strips of paper and glue them onto the armature, overlapping them to create a solid layer.
- Apply multiple layers of paper mache, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Once the paper mache is dry, paint the snake with acrylic paint and add details like eyes and a mouth.
Tips and Variations
- To make your snake more realistic, you can add texture to the paper mache using a texture paste or by applying layers of tissue paper.
- To make your snake more whimsical, you can add fun details like stripes or polka dots.
Gallery of Paper Mache Animal Crafts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paper mache?
+Paper mache is a craft material made from paper and glue. It is often used to create decorative objects, such as animal figures.
How do I make paper mache?
+To make paper mache, you will need to mix together paper, glue, and water. You can then apply the mixture to a surface, such as a wire armature, to create a solid layer.
What are some tips for working with paper mache?
+Some tips for working with paper mache include applying multiple layers of the mixture to create a solid layer, using a texture paste to add texture to the surface, and allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
We hope this article has inspired you to try your hand at making paper mache animal crafts. With these 7 projects, you can create a menagerie of animals to decorate your home or give as gifts. Remember to have fun and be creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different textures and colors. Happy crafting!